Kajiado Senator demands probe into blood bag shortage at Kenyatta National Hospital
By Emmanuel Rono, March 19, 2026Kajiado Senator Kanar Seki has called for an urgent statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Health over a critical shortage of blood collection bags at Kenyatta National Hospital, warning that the crisis is endangering lives.
According to the statement by the parliament of Kenya on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Seki said the shortage has severely disrupted blood donation services at the country’s largest referral hospital, despite the presence of willing donors.
“While raising the matter, the Senator noted that the crisis has gravely disrupted blood donation despite the presence of willing donors, thereby putting the lives of patients at risk,” the Parliament statement read.
Seki noted that the situation has left vulnerable patients at risk, including accident victims, mothers facing childbirth complications, surgical patients, and individuals with chronic conditions who depend on timely blood transfusions.
“These include accident victims, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, surgical patients, and individuals suffering from chronic conditions who rely on timely blood transfusions,” the statement read.
Availability of blood collection bags
The legislator tasked the Health Committee with providing a comprehensive report on the availability of blood collection bags and related supplies not only at Kenyatta National Hospital but also in other public referral facilities across the country.
Seki further wants the committee to disclose the number of potential donors turned away at KNH due to the shortage and detail the extent to which patients have been affected.
“He has also sought details on the number of potential blood donors who have been turned away at KNH due to the shortage and the extent to which patients have been affected,” the statement added.
Steps to restore supplies
He also pressed for immediate and long-term interventions to address the crisis, urging the ministry and relevant agencies to outline steps being taken to restore supplies at KNH and prevent future shortages nationwide.
“Further, the legislator has urged the committee to outline the immediate steps being undertaken by the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to restore supply at Kenyatta National Hospital as well as the long-term measures in place to ensure the consistent availability of blood collection supplies across all public health facilities,” the Parliament of Kenya wrote.